Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Is Low among Black Men

In a study of 490 American and foreign-born black men between ages 45 and 70, the researchers found the men ate an average of three servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend men eat nine servings per day. The researchers also found 94 percent of the participants in the study were not aware of the recommendations.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower risk for chronic illness. Compared with other racial groups, black men have higher incidence and mortality rates for many diet-related diseases, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers.

According to the researchers, the study suggests significant efforts will be needed to help black men, particularly immigrant black men, to realize the importance of increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption. "The lack of awareness of the current dietary recommendations related to fruits and vegetables is alarming and implores health experts to rethink how messages about diet and nutrition can reach this population," the researchers write.-American Dietetic Association